In my opinion, this week's episode of Downton Abbey resembled an unpredictable roller-coaster. Not only was in jam-packed with a variety of different topics and events, but it seemed as though all of the events were truly life changing. First, Cora discovers that she is pregnant. At first I didn't understand the commotion other than the fact that she is quite old to be having more children. Then I realized that if the child is a boy the inheritance would go to the son and stay in the family. As a result of this news, Mary waits on giving her answer to Matthew's proposal due to this. Her grandmother advises her to accept the proposal so that Matthew will know she will love him despite his wealth. Miss O'Brien, upon overhearing plans of possibly hiring a new maid, fears for her job stability. She becomes extremely bitter and because of it she makes a horrid decision. While assisting Cora during her bath she leaves a bar of soap next to the tub. When Cora gets out of the tub she slips on it and falls, and this causes her to miscarry. The news of this is devastating not only because they lost a child but also because they lost hope in securing the family fortune. In other news, Thomas makes arrangements to leave the house and join a doctor's practice and Ms. Patmore sees an eye specialist while a new cook is hired for the meantime. Mary also discovers how Edith helped spread news of Mary's promiscuity. She gets back at her by influencing Sir Antony so she changed his mind about proposing to Edith. Mary's delayed response to Matthew's proposal actually causes him to take it back and Mary is devastated. At the conclusion of the episode, Robert makes an announcement at the garden party that what will be known as World War I has begun. It was a truly historical episode.
One major theme that I detected within this episode was the theme of selfishness. This theme occurs not only in self possession but also in the aspect of a self-driven mindset. Many characters in this episode said something or did something that was to benefit them personally. The feelings of others were not considered in the slightest. There were many examples of this. First, Mary delays on her answer to Matthew's proposal because she wants to make sure she marries someone with wealth. Second, Mary purposely destroys Edith's chance at getting proposed to only for her own self satisfaction. Third, Miss O'Brien seeks to harm Cora because she is upset she might lose her job. Fourth, Thomas seeks a new job opportunity in order to save himself from being fired. The majority of actions that were displayed in this episode were driven by selfish desires. It was actually quite disappointing.
This theme of selfishness can be found being discussed in Scripture but is certainly not supported by the Word. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "selfish ambition" as one of the acts of sinful nature. In the Psalms selfishness is also discussed. It states "turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain" (Psalm 119:36). In the gospel of Luke we see the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story Jesus explains that those who passed by the man in need were focused only on themselves, whether it be their own preconceived notion and judgment of the man or the business of their own lives. It was not until a man passed by who had a heart for the man in need that we see the moral of the story. Once a man came along who was focused on the need of other instead of his own need or personal gain, the commandment of loving one's neighbor was displayed and commended. Jesus teaches that people ought to act in a way of love for others, not focusing on their own self-interests.
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